Clio V6 questions
Discussion
I have currently got a TVR Chimara which i have had for the last few months. I love to whole experience but a change in circumstances means i can afford to keep my other car as well so i need something i can use daily.
I have always been attracted to unusual cars and the V6 clio is somthing you dont see everyday. I just wondered what kind of fuel economy i could expect day to day? How much is servicing? Is there anything to be aware of when buying?
Im not sure this totally is the car for me but your answers would be much appreciated!!
And obviously anyone who fancies a TVR for there V6 give me a shout!!
I have always been attracted to unusual cars and the V6 clio is somthing you dont see everyday. I just wondered what kind of fuel economy i could expect day to day? How much is servicing? Is there anything to be aware of when buying?
Im not sure this totally is the car for me but your answers would be much appreciated!!
And obviously anyone who fancies a TVR for there V6 give me a shout!!
First off head to http://www.v6clio.net/forum these questions have been answered before and the "community" is supportive and welcoming of prospective owners.
Economy is down to how hard or not you drive the car; I regularly saw 33mpg on the m/way but would see figures down into the mid-teens on track.
Tyres will be a factor (obviously!), fronts seem to last forever (reinforcing the notion of a too light front end) but the rears will be a more frequent cost. I got 17,000 out of my first set of fronts but about 10,000 from the rears. Again the forum is a good source of information in this area with many owners having tried different manufacturers (put it this way you don't need to run Michellin PS2s on the cars).
Servicing is not prohibitively expensive with intervals at 12k miles but the one to watch out for is the cambelt. This needs doing every 5 years or 60,000 miles, it's a pig of a job which in order to be done properly is normally means taking the engine out. A main dealer will take you for between 800 and 1k for this job. If you're looking at Mk1s you're definitely into this territory so either get ones that's been done or use the costs above as negotiating points.
Practicalities of the car are that it's most definitely a 2 seater. Theres a cargo net across a notional parcel shelf and the front compartment where the engine would normally be has a load liner and is almost waterproof. I've done 2 LeMans runs in mine including all the camping stuff that would require.
Your other decision will be between a Mk1 and a Mk2. Either one will "scratch the itch" the Mk2 is less punishing of driver errors and the interior is a step up from the Mk1.
If you're considering modifying the cars then there are companies out there who genuinely can deliver results but make sure you refer to the forum above because there are others who are promising the earth and delivering nothing but cost and misery.
Economy is down to how hard or not you drive the car; I regularly saw 33mpg on the m/way but would see figures down into the mid-teens on track.
Tyres will be a factor (obviously!), fronts seem to last forever (reinforcing the notion of a too light front end) but the rears will be a more frequent cost. I got 17,000 out of my first set of fronts but about 10,000 from the rears. Again the forum is a good source of information in this area with many owners having tried different manufacturers (put it this way you don't need to run Michellin PS2s on the cars).
Servicing is not prohibitively expensive with intervals at 12k miles but the one to watch out for is the cambelt. This needs doing every 5 years or 60,000 miles, it's a pig of a job which in order to be done properly is normally means taking the engine out. A main dealer will take you for between 800 and 1k for this job. If you're looking at Mk1s you're definitely into this territory so either get ones that's been done or use the costs above as negotiating points.
Practicalities of the car are that it's most definitely a 2 seater. Theres a cargo net across a notional parcel shelf and the front compartment where the engine would normally be has a load liner and is almost waterproof. I've done 2 LeMans runs in mine including all the camping stuff that would require.
Your other decision will be between a Mk1 and a Mk2. Either one will "scratch the itch" the Mk2 is less punishing of driver errors and the interior is a step up from the Mk1.
If you're considering modifying the cars then there are companies out there who genuinely can deliver results but make sure you refer to the forum above because there are others who are promising the earth and delivering nothing but cost and misery.
Edited by GnuBee on Tuesday 2nd September 13:12
GnuBee said:
First off head to http://www.v6clio.net/forum these questions have been answered before and the "community" is supportive and welcoming of prospective owners.
Economy is down to how hard or not you drive the car; I regularly saw 33mpg on the m/way but would see figures down into the mid-teens on track.
Tyres will be a factor (obviously!), fronts seem to last forever (reinforcing the notion of a too light front end) but the rears will be a more frequent cost. I got 17,000 out of my first set of fronts but about 10,000 from the rears. Again the forum is a good source of information in this area with many owners having tried different manufacturers (put it this way you don't need to run Michellin PS2s on the cars).
Servicing is not prohibitively expensive with intervals at 12k miles but the one to watch out for is the cambelt. This needs doing every 5 years or 60,000 miles, it's a pig of a job which in order to be done properly is normally means taking the engine out. A main dealer will take you for between 800 and 1k for this job. If you're looking at Mk1s you're definitely into this territory so either get one that has been done or use the costs above as negotiating points.
Practicalities of the car are that it's most definitely a 2 seater. Theres a cargo net across a notional parcel shelf and the front compartment where the engine would normally be has a load liner and is almost waterproof. I've done 2 LeMans runs in mine including all the camping stuff that would require.
Your other decision will be between a Mk1 and a Mk2. Either one will "scratch the itch" the Mk2 is less punishing of driver errors and the interior is a step up from the Mk1.
If you're considering modifying the cars then there are companies out there who genuinely can deliver results but make sure you refer to the forum above because there are others who are promising the earth and delivering nothing but cost and misery.
Economy is down to how hard or not you drive the car; I regularly saw 33mpg on the m/way but would see figures down into the mid-teens on track.
Tyres will be a factor (obviously!), fronts seem to last forever (reinforcing the notion of a too light front end) but the rears will be a more frequent cost. I got 17,000 out of my first set of fronts but about 10,000 from the rears. Again the forum is a good source of information in this area with many owners having tried different manufacturers (put it this way you don't need to run Michellin PS2s on the cars).
Servicing is not prohibitively expensive with intervals at 12k miles but the one to watch out for is the cambelt. This needs doing every 5 years or 60,000 miles, it's a pig of a job which in order to be done properly is normally means taking the engine out. A main dealer will take you for between 800 and 1k for this job. If you're looking at Mk1s you're definitely into this territory so either get one that has been done or use the costs above as negotiating points.
Practicalities of the car are that it's most definitely a 2 seater. Theres a cargo net across a notional parcel shelf and the front compartment where the engine would normally be has a load liner and is almost waterproof. I've done 2 LeMans runs in mine including all the camping stuff that would require.
Your other decision will be between a Mk1 and a Mk2. Either one will "scratch the itch" the Mk2 is less punishing of driver errors and the interior is a step up from the Mk1.
If you're considering modifying the cars then there are companies out there who genuinely can deliver results but make sure you refer to the forum above because there are others who are promising the earth and delivering nothing but cost and misery.
Edited by GnuBee on Tuesday 2nd September 13:12
Agree with everything GnuBee has to say, also check for accident damage as usual. Body panels are massively expensive so Cat D's are not uncommon. Also check for cheap repair to keep down on the cost buying new panels. Its not rare to see front bumpers repainted either, they seem prone to stonechips.
I recently took my Mk1 to the EVO Triangle. The journey up the M5 and across saw to close to 40mpg taking it steady and then mid-low teens on the triangle. So again its how heavy the foot is!!
I recently had my major 5 year cambelt and major service. I think the total bill came to around 2.8K but I did get full service, cambelt, water pump, rear discs/pads, clutch (as the engine was out) and a few other things. The clutch didn't need doing but had it done for piece of mind whilst the engine was out. Genuine Renault Discs are £300+ and aftermarket pads can be found for £80. Work was carried out by a specialist and not Renault.
Try one... you just might like it
I recently took my Mk1 to the EVO Triangle. The journey up the M5 and across saw to close to 40mpg taking it steady and then mid-low teens on the triangle. So again its how heavy the foot is!!
I recently had my major 5 year cambelt and major service. I think the total bill came to around 2.8K but I did get full service, cambelt, water pump, rear discs/pads, clutch (as the engine was out) and a few other things. The clutch didn't need doing but had it done for piece of mind whilst the engine was out. Genuine Renault Discs are £300+ and aftermarket pads can be found for £80. Work was carried out by a specialist and not Renault.
Try one... you just might like it
Hi!
Interested in those mpg figures...never seen more than 23mpg myself and that was the first tank running it in..have averaged 18mg over 22000 miles since. Track work 9-10mpg, motorway 20-21mpg, commute 15-18mpg.
Negligible oil consumption, even with hard driving.
Only one breakdown in 22,000 miles when wiring loom was burnt through by heat from the Janspeed exhaust at 2,500 miles - different profile to the standard manifold/pipes and ended up too near to the wires! Renault fixed (replaced it and extended loom wires) it under warranty and the cars been perfect since.
Servicing every 12,000 at Renault mian dealer - £200 - but watch for the 5yr/belt change..apparently a pricey one.
Tyre's are really dependant on use and set up. I've heard of people ripping through rears in no time. However, I've got KW coilovers and a fast road set up and my front's lasted 14,000, the rears 10,000 which is not bad for the performance and much better than I used to get from the assorted front drive hotties I've had in the past.
Day to day use is not a problem, as long as you do not expect usual hot hatch practicality - it ss a two seat mid engined vehicle afterall. However, it's not over-wide and fits in station car park/supermarket spaces with ease. It does however have the turning circle of the QE2 so there's wheel twirling for England at parking time. This steering ratio does bring the bonus of a very direct and well weighted tiller at all other times however.
Four luggage area's, front to back:
-under "bonnet" at front - some people have water ingress issues but mine's never leaked - strange shape, but big enough for a helmet bag with a weekend holdall over the top
- behind seats amidship - again big enough for weekend luggage / coats / brollies / shopping - you just have to become good at packaging! The most useful space.
- on top of/to side of engine cover - ideal for suit bags/flatter items. Smaller sports bags fit into a depression twix the rear side windows and the main engine cover hump - out of site when driving and normally stays in place..
- behind engine - not a viable space for real luggage as it gets v.hot, but useful for "road bits" - fire ext/flouro jacket/triangles/tyre mousse etc
Front spoilers take a hammering - they're prone to stone chips and £1200 a pop to replace...Rest of bodywork is robust and flat side's/no overhangs make it easy to judge gaps. Excellent vision all round.
Noise might be an issue if it has a non-standard exhaust - mine's Janspeed manifold back and many people find it noisy (99.7db @ 75%, 107db @ full chat per MSV Snetterton!) but unless you're over 4,750rpm it's fine on a cruise and just lovely when pressing on/going up (or down) the gears. Base and rumbly around town, and a screamer on track.
Standard is 255bhp but they'e easily tuneable - the Laguna lump is a strong old girl and will take a bit of tinkering in her stride. Plenty of people around will take on tuning work. Mine, done at Ktec near Bournemouth, is 285-290bhp rated for insurance purposes (group 20B as standard).
Standard performance was 0-60 in 5.8secs, 100 in 14 and 155mph flat out....anything with more is quicker...So about on par with a 4.0 Chimera.
Phase 2 cars (255's) had their handling sorted by Dieppe's finest and can be trusted. I've never had an issue either on road or track. Just respect the fact it's got a dinky wheelbase with a heavy lump between the wheels and a lively, torquey powerplant and you won't go far wrong. There is traction control, but I never use it. Drive's a little like a 993 - even has the front end bobbing! Slow in, fast out defo the best method.
Interior is plush Clio 2 - alacantra/leather Renaultsport seats (comfy over 300+miles a day + supportive), great driving position, good aircon, good instruments.
And you can fit a Renault roof rack/box/cycle holder on it if you need to as the roof/runners are standard Clio 2.
Take a look at this for a good example:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/665976.htm
Turns heads wherever it goes...
Happy hunting!
BF
Interested in those mpg figures...never seen more than 23mpg myself and that was the first tank running it in..have averaged 18mg over 22000 miles since. Track work 9-10mpg, motorway 20-21mpg, commute 15-18mpg.
Negligible oil consumption, even with hard driving.
Only one breakdown in 22,000 miles when wiring loom was burnt through by heat from the Janspeed exhaust at 2,500 miles - different profile to the standard manifold/pipes and ended up too near to the wires! Renault fixed (replaced it and extended loom wires) it under warranty and the cars been perfect since.
Servicing every 12,000 at Renault mian dealer - £200 - but watch for the 5yr/belt change..apparently a pricey one.
Tyre's are really dependant on use and set up. I've heard of people ripping through rears in no time. However, I've got KW coilovers and a fast road set up and my front's lasted 14,000, the rears 10,000 which is not bad for the performance and much better than I used to get from the assorted front drive hotties I've had in the past.
Day to day use is not a problem, as long as you do not expect usual hot hatch practicality - it ss a two seat mid engined vehicle afterall. However, it's not over-wide and fits in station car park/supermarket spaces with ease. It does however have the turning circle of the QE2 so there's wheel twirling for England at parking time. This steering ratio does bring the bonus of a very direct and well weighted tiller at all other times however.
Four luggage area's, front to back:
-under "bonnet" at front - some people have water ingress issues but mine's never leaked - strange shape, but big enough for a helmet bag with a weekend holdall over the top
- behind seats amidship - again big enough for weekend luggage / coats / brollies / shopping - you just have to become good at packaging! The most useful space.
- on top of/to side of engine cover - ideal for suit bags/flatter items. Smaller sports bags fit into a depression twix the rear side windows and the main engine cover hump - out of site when driving and normally stays in place..
- behind engine - not a viable space for real luggage as it gets v.hot, but useful for "road bits" - fire ext/flouro jacket/triangles/tyre mousse etc
Front spoilers take a hammering - they're prone to stone chips and £1200 a pop to replace...Rest of bodywork is robust and flat side's/no overhangs make it easy to judge gaps. Excellent vision all round.
Noise might be an issue if it has a non-standard exhaust - mine's Janspeed manifold back and many people find it noisy (99.7db @ 75%, 107db @ full chat per MSV Snetterton!) but unless you're over 4,750rpm it's fine on a cruise and just lovely when pressing on/going up (or down) the gears. Base and rumbly around town, and a screamer on track.
Standard is 255bhp but they'e easily tuneable - the Laguna lump is a strong old girl and will take a bit of tinkering in her stride. Plenty of people around will take on tuning work. Mine, done at Ktec near Bournemouth, is 285-290bhp rated for insurance purposes (group 20B as standard).
Standard performance was 0-60 in 5.8secs, 100 in 14 and 155mph flat out....anything with more is quicker...So about on par with a 4.0 Chimera.
Phase 2 cars (255's) had their handling sorted by Dieppe's finest and can be trusted. I've never had an issue either on road or track. Just respect the fact it's got a dinky wheelbase with a heavy lump between the wheels and a lively, torquey powerplant and you won't go far wrong. There is traction control, but I never use it. Drive's a little like a 993 - even has the front end bobbing! Slow in, fast out defo the best method.
Interior is plush Clio 2 - alacantra/leather Renaultsport seats (comfy over 300+miles a day + supportive), great driving position, good aircon, good instruments.
And you can fit a Renault roof rack/box/cycle holder on it if you need to as the roof/runners are standard Clio 2.
Take a look at this for a good example:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/665976.htm
Turns heads wherever it goes...
Happy hunting!
BF
Some interesting points above. my experence thus far.
After owning a Williams and a 172 seemed liked a natural progression. Bought one on when I was 21, cost me a bit to insure 1400 I think, now 23 and it’s 704£.
I use it as my daily runner, on track and on the ring (Out on the 17-20th of oct) It will be tucked up after that time and my winter car (172) will resume services.
IMO nothing comes close to the vee, it’s a fickle thing, whereby I’m considering changing it for a Z4M…A faster, quicker, better equipped and made car…However very ordinary.
The Vee is a magnet for attention and TBH I love that! Ha!
It’s hugely capable on track, but then again I’ve been racing since I was 7yrs old so been about, I’ve got KW coils on mine and it’s made it also easier to drive.
MPG, Bothered, it’s a V6 not a 1.2….if your worried about that don’t buy it. (For reference I get 30+ on motorway at 75 and about 19 around town, but I give it a little bit of stick. On track about 9-11.
Pics to wet your appetite? – Mine gets resprayed every 6months. And It’s V well cared for.
These cars are meant to be used not petted and stored away!
After owning a Williams and a 172 seemed liked a natural progression. Bought one on when I was 21, cost me a bit to insure 1400 I think, now 23 and it’s 704£.
I use it as my daily runner, on track and on the ring (Out on the 17-20th of oct) It will be tucked up after that time and my winter car (172) will resume services.
IMO nothing comes close to the vee, it’s a fickle thing, whereby I’m considering changing it for a Z4M…A faster, quicker, better equipped and made car…However very ordinary.
The Vee is a magnet for attention and TBH I love that! Ha!
It’s hugely capable on track, but then again I’ve been racing since I was 7yrs old so been about, I’ve got KW coils on mine and it’s made it also easier to drive.
MPG, Bothered, it’s a V6 not a 1.2….if your worried about that don’t buy it. (For reference I get 30+ on motorway at 75 and about 19 around town, but I give it a little bit of stick. On track about 9-11.
Pics to wet your appetite? – Mine gets resprayed every 6months. And It’s V well cared for.
These cars are meant to be used not petted and stored away!
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